25 Albums We're Looking Forward to in 2012

It’s 2012, a year long-rumored to bring about the end of the world. So, if our time really is limited, there’s no reason to waste it on bad music. Below you’ll find a list of the albums we expect to be among the best of the year.

The list is filled with old and familiar along with new and fresh faces, but the artists all have one thing in common: They’ve all got track records for crafting great songs. Take a look below, and feel free to let us know what you’re looking forward to in the comments section.

25. The Lumineers: The Lumineers Release Date: March
The Denver-rooted Lumineers had no problem making their way onto our Best New Bands list last year after their first release, a seven-song EP. If the EP and the band’s inspiring live shows are any indication, the debut full-length should be one to keep on your radar.

24. U2: Songs of Ascent Release Date: TBA Songs of Ascent has seen it’s fair share of rumors: Is it a reggae album? How does it complement No Line on the Horizon? The album has been on our radar since 2009, and we’re still waiting.

23. The Beach Boys: TBA Release Date: TBAWith Brian Wilsonstepping somewhat back in the spotlight, the latest Beach Boys album shouldn’t just be brushed off as a cash-making effort. Produced by Wilson and executive produced by Mike Love, another founding Beach Boy, you can expect a quality effort filled with classic, nostalgia-inducing harmonies.

22. Nada Surf: The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy Release Date: Jan. 24It’s easy to dismiss Nada Surfas the guys that wrote “Popular” in 1996. But then you’d miss out on nearly a decade’s worth of quality tunes on albums like The Weight is a Gift and Lucky. The band hasn’t released any new material since 2008, and their first single from Stars, “When I Was Young” sounds like a great start.